Villar-led realty firm: Boracay construction work photos are not part of project site

Villar-led developer Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. on Thursday said circulating photos and videos showing supposed excavation work in a forested area of Boracay are not part of the firm's development site.

In a statement, Vista Land's legal counsel Ma. Nalen Rosero referred to an online news article saying the photos showed the site where a road going to Vista Land's Costa Vista Boracay is currently being built.

"Significantly, the images appearing in the articles do not pertain to our project site. The area subject of our development is a developed resort with existing facilities," Rosero said.

"Moreover, it is our policy to respect and preserve the natural topography of the land. To do so is not only structurally sound but more importantly, environmentally friendly," she added.

Rosero clarified that Vista Land complied with all applicable laws and regulations and obtained all requisite permits and licenses in connection to its development project in Boracay.

She added that they have slowed down development activities and reduced the numbers of equipment and workers in the area since February this year.

"We wish to assure the public that we are fully supportive of the government’s efforts to rehabilitate Boracay," the statement read.

Government officials on Wednesday claimed that the photos were supposedly taken before the island was closed to non-residents on April 26.

Interior Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing said the Department of the Interior and Local Government will investigate the construction work.

Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones, on the other hand, said Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu had ordered that such activities in the island be stopped. — BAP, GMA News